VEMTC Wangaratta turns 40
Back: John Barnard, Kane Waring, Steve Phillips, Mick Daws, Dave Muskee, Dave Salau, Dave Stone. Front: Warren Honey, Jason Allisey, Steve Mc Donald, PAD Supervisor Richie Gardner.
VEMTC Wangaratta, CFA's oldest training facility, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Brigades in north-east Victoria commenced training at the facility in 1984. Initially, only 300 members per year used the facility, but now it's common to see more than 300 volunteers each month.
The training campus serves a vast area from Kerang to Wallan and Mt Buller to Corryong. It also hosts other emergency services including Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Corrections Victoria, DEECA (Parks Victoria), predominantly during business hours when most volunteers are unavailable.
PAD supervisor Richie Gardner notes that infrastructure enhancements have been ongoing since then.
The team at Wangaratta Campus continuously evaluates the props to ensure they meet current training requirements. The multipurpose props allow members to engage in 70 drills primarily focused on structural training, with additional features such as a lightning strike prop and powerlines.
Fire attack props comprise the gas pad, fire attack building, double-storey building, kitchens, and stoves.
In 2019, $6 million was invested to update environmental compliance standards and enhance infrastructure such as water treatment systems and gas pads for future generations of firefighters. Future plans might include an all emergency services off-road driving track.
Offsite support is available too with a breathing apparatus or gas trailer available for drills at brigade locations upon request. To book, contact the training ground directly.
The site can support operations when needed including logistics assistance.
To book the facility, brigades can phone 0418 517 927 for scheduling and complete an online booking form. At least six weeks notice is required to coordinate a booking.
Take an tour and book the facility here..
Back: John Barnard, Kane Waring, Steve Phillips, Mick Daws, Dave Muskee, Dave Salau, Dave Stone. Front: Warren Honey, Jason Allisey, Steve Mc Donald, Pad Supervisor Richie Gardner.
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Submitted by |
Chris Segrave |